tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13053593755479056652017-09-26T06:08:30.500-04:00Paperless AirplaneDelivering the News You Need to Know NowPatrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1397125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-22704991703885379982017-09-11T14:03:00.003-04:002017-09-11T14:03:44.920-04:00We Must Never Forget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jOEg9s_-Fi8/WbbPycLI1WI/AAAAAAAADQA/KmuqHj_7lGYUABZtjLJsBFiw3osw9MD2QCLcBGAs/s1600/9-11-2017.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="650" height="344" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jOEg9s_-Fi8/WbbPycLI1WI/AAAAAAAADQA/KmuqHj_7lGYUABZtjLJsBFiw3osw9MD2QCLcBGAs/s640/9-11-2017.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />Today, we pause to remember those who were lost and recommit ourselves to working, every day, for justice, freedom, peace, and tolerance.Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-65469356465086353922017-09-08T11:45:00.001-04:002017-09-08T14:32:24.582-04:00 Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Purple Line<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QcoOXZo3y9g/WbK6qmKnbkI/AAAAAAAADPg/3LNhBD03Pmc4n_djuXDgVRnWq3gUOD8HACLcBGAs/s1600/purpleline-groundbreaking.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="650" height="215" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QcoOXZo3y9g/WbK6qmKnbkI/AAAAAAAADPg/3LNhBD03Pmc4n_djuXDgVRnWq3gUOD8HACLcBGAs/s400/purpleline-groundbreaking.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett joined Senator Chris Van Hollen, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, Governor Larry Hogan, and Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker III, and members of the Montgomery County Council for the groundbreaking for the Maryland Transit Administration’s Purple Line - a 16.2-mile Light Rail project with 21 stations. The Purple Line will improve accessibility to jobs and provide low- and moderate-income households more exposure to employment opportunities. <a href="https://flic.kr/s/aHsm47Pvt8" target="_blank">See more photos from the event</a>.</td></tr></tbody></table>Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett joined Governor Larry Hogan, U.S. Secretary Elaine Chao, Senator Chris Van Hollen, members of the Montgomery County Council and other dignitaries to launch construction of the Maryland Transit Administration’s Purple Line - a 16.2-mile Light Rail project with 21 stations.<br /><br />The long-awaited Purple Line will improve transit, bring new jobs and get thousands of cars off roads. The Purple Line will extend from Bethesda in Montgomery County to New Carrollton in Prince George's County. It will provide a direct connection to the Metrorail Red, Green and Orange Lines; at Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park, and New Carrollton. The Purple Line will also connect to MARC, Amtrak, and local bus services.<br /><br />The Purple Line will be light rail and will operate mainly in dedicated or exclusive lanes, allowing for fast, reliable transit operations.<br /><br />To learn more go to the <a href="http://www.purplelinemd.com/en/" target="_blank">Purple Line project website</a>. Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-34709337177080437532017-09-08T11:42:00.003-04:002017-09-08T11:42:32.793-04:00Statement by County Executive Ike Leggett on Presidential Decision to Phase Out DACA Program<blockquote class="tr_bq">“I am disappointed by President Trump’s decision to phase out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. These young people are in the United States in an undocumented status through no fault of their own – and they deserve better. I urge the President to work with both parties in the House and Senate to craft as soon as possible a common-sense program to protect these young men and women.”</blockquote><a href="http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Statement_Detail.aspx?id=1434" target="_blank">See the full statement</a>.Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-44873448857666004462017-09-08T11:40:00.003-04:002017-09-11T08:28:56.191-04:00 “Renters Have Rights” Campaign Informs Tenants of Stepped-Up Apartment Inspection and Expanded Tenant Advocacy <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wNHI_eOrO3k/WbK5wknATUI/AAAAAAAADPY/SO9gy1swJ5kMjfb_nW9YAV018RlhzqY0wCLcBGAs/s1600/tenant_g.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="650" height="209" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wNHI_eOrO3k/WbK5wknATUI/AAAAAAAADPY/SO9gy1swJ5kMjfb_nW9YAV018RlhzqY0wCLcBGAs/s320/tenant_g.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured (l to r): County Council Vice President Hans Riemer; Councilmember Marc Elrich; <br />County Executive Ike Leggett; and Councilmembers Tom Hucker and Nancy Floreen.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br />On September 7, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett launched a “Renters Have Rights” campaign of stepped-up inspections and outreach to tenants. The campaign lets renters know they have a voice and that the County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) is available to help. <br /><br />An important part of the mission of the DHCA is to maintain a marketplace that is fair to both tenants and landlords. Toward that end, DHCA is responsible for inspecting apartment buildings for certain safe-housing conditions and promoting tenant rights. DHCA is ratcheting up efforts that benefit everyone. Over the next two years, DHCA will inspect every apartment building in the County, looking at a percentage of units in each building, and if warranted, inspecting every unit. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwDpGQdJcQQ/WbK7Qd7yECI/AAAAAAAADPo/dWhkMGmxcCQ46bMz1IqdvEIEa6ErfR7DQCLcBGAs/s1600/renter-rights_web-slider2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="650" height="172" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XwDpGQdJcQQ/WbK7Qd7yECI/AAAAAAAADPo/dWhkMGmxcCQ46bMz1IqdvEIEa6ErfR7DQCLcBGAs/s320/renter-rights_web-slider2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The “Renters Have Rights” outreach campaign directs people to call 3-1-1 to learn how Montgomery County can provide free, confidential, anonymous help to ensure housing safety, mediate conflicts and otherwise advocate for tenants. The updated law also includes funding for additional tenant advocacy staff. <a href="http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=21370" target="_blank">See press release.</a>.<br /><br />For more information visit DHCA’s <a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/tenantrights" target="_blank">Tenant Rights website</a><span id="goog_24693146"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_24693147"></span>, which includes tenant <a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DHCA/director/tenant_rights/tenant_rights.html">rights</a>, <a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DHCA/director/tenant_rights/tenant_responsibilities.html">responsibilities</a>, <a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DHCA/director/tenant_rights/dhca_services.html">DHCA services</a>, and more.Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-56912030323124641882017-09-08T11:39:00.000-04:002017-09-11T14:06:21.613-04:00Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Earns Blue Ribbon for Best Educational Exhibitor at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-45xnBD9DdO8/WbbQZfDVKDI/AAAAAAAADQI/1m53HOImok4hWVYs_fldN4Ve0UwVUxigACLcBGAs/s1600/36467407222_cf28513f86_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="1600" height="257" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-45xnBD9DdO8/WbbQZfDVKDI/AAAAAAAADQI/1m53HOImok4hWVYs_fldN4Ve0UwVUxigACLcBGAs/s640/36467407222_cf28513f86_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) won the blue ribbon for “Educational Exhibitor” at the 2017 Montgomery County Agricultural Fair. A team of judges selected the DEP booth from 140 vendors. The award recognizes excellence in educational activities and was received for exhibit presentation and the interaction of exhibitor with fair visitors. More information is available at <a href="http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=21320" target="_blank">press release</a>.Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-73869284533633708802017-09-08T11:38:00.005-04:002017-09-08T14:20:07.132-04:00Annual 50+ Expo Returns to the Silver Spring Civic Center on Sunday, September 10<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIe-yqv0uHs/WbK5ObYRNLI/AAAAAAAADPQ/IZ2EclLoifwlcvk1DpNFrOMnD8f8HsZIgCLcBGAs/s1600/50plus-sscc.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="650" height="215" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hIe-yqv0uHs/WbK5ObYRNLI/AAAAAAAADPQ/IZ2EclLoifwlcvk1DpNFrOMnD8f8HsZIgCLcBGAs/s400/50plus-sscc.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />The Beacon's free, annual 50+ Expo, will return to the Silver Spring Civic Center in downtown Silver Spring on <a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcg/calendar.html?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D124885528" target="_blank">Sunday, Sept. 10 from noon to 4 p.m.</a>.<br /><br />The keynote speaker is Matthew Quinn, a principal of Quinn's Auction Galleries, and a seven-year veteran appraiser on PBS’ Antiques Roadshow. Appraisers from Quinn's Auction Galleries will be available for verbal appraisals of paintings, Asian art, prints, autographs, glassware, crystal, knick-knacks, rare books, jewelry and other items which can carried in hands. <br /><br />The event will feature government and nonprofit and business exhibitors, health screenings, flu shots (free with Medicare card), technology training, entertainment, giveaways and door prizes. The grand door prize is a trip for two to China. <br /><br />For more information, go to <a href="http://www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/50-expos">www.theBeaconNewspapers.com/50-expos</a>.Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-16873984303055701192017-09-08T11:37:00.001-04:002017-09-08T14:21:16.985-04:00 Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival Marches in on September 24<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="938" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wa8fkr2kKeI/WbK4BDGar6I/AAAAAAAADPE/uiH55411CbI4_LkRHjGCBOTT0aAx9bQoACLcBGAs/s200/WheatonParade.jpg" width="170" /></div>The inaugural <a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcg/calendar.html?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D125096969" target="_blank">Wheaton Arts Parade and Festival</a> is coming Sunday, September 24, with hand-pulled floats; a “Rhinestone Einstein;” giant puppets; costumes; masks; dancers and marching bands. The procession will march up Georgia Avenue in Wheaton beginning at 10 a.m. The festival will follow with artists displaying their work; live music and dance performances; films; storytellers and poets; food; and more at nearby Veterans Park on Reedie Drive. Watch the parade near the Wheaton Metro on the east side of Georgia Avenue. The event will be fun for the entire family and best of all it's free! For more information, go to <a href="http://www.wheatonartsparade.com/">www.wheatonartsparade.com</a>.Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-73294483064713310142017-09-08T11:29:00.002-04:002017-09-11T08:29:45.970-04:00Transportation Services Make Getting Around Montgomery County Easier for Older Adults<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior/Resources/Files/beacon-ad/2017/9-2017_beacon_age_friendly.pdf" target="_blank"><img alt=" download pdf" border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1017" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-41H399WMUTQ/WbK8DIh3oQI/AAAAAAAADPw/FRgLmk5offERFjkrPbRJur9iklPubTupQCLcBGAs/s320/9-2017_beacon_age_friendly.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>Transportation is an important service for seniors and people with disabilities, especially those who do not drive. To help residents stay active, Montgomery County offers a range of transportation and mobility options. For more information on transportation services, go to <a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior/transportation.html" target="_blank">senior transportation website</a> or check latest <a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior/Resources/Files/beacon-ad/2017/9-2017_beacon_age_friendly.pdf" target="_blank">Beacon AD</a>.Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-81096563936975867992017-09-08T11:25:00.001-04:002017-09-08T14:21:46.419-04:00 Office of Consumer Protection Alerts Residents to the Potential Risk of Coupon-based Air Duct Cleaning Services<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Caj7BJyZAsU" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><br />Montgomery County’s Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) released a consumer alert video to alert residents to possible deceptive practices by air duct cleaning services. This <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Caj7BJyZAsU&amp;feature=youtu.be">Consumer Alert Air Duct Scams Video</a> warns consumers about coupon-based air duct cleaning firms that engage in deceiving marketing by promoting misleadingly low prices, making unsubstantiated health claims and up-selling additional services. <br /><br />The video highlights a two-step “deceptive dance” prevalent in this industry. First, coupon-based air duct cleaning firms typically gain access to a consumer’s home by advertising that they can provide a service at an extremely low cost, and then attempt to scare a consumer into purchasing hundreds or thousands of dollars of additional services by representing that dangerous conditions are present in the ducts.<br /><br />For more information, call the OCP at 240-777-3636 or visit OCP’s website at <a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/consumer">www.montgomerycountymd.gov/consumer</a>.Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-49658847465610583622017-09-08T11:23:00.002-04:002017-09-08T14:22:29.758-04:00 Montgomery County Public Libraries Offers Creative Writing Workshop for Veterans, Active Service Members and their Adult Family Members<a href="http://montgomerycountymd.gov/Library/index.html" target="_blank">Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL)</a> will offer a creative writing workshop for veterans, active service members and their adult family members to help shape and tell their stories. The program is appropriate for beginner-and intermediate-level creative writers.<br /><br />The workshop is focused on the elements of writing fiction and non-fiction including scene, setting, dialogue, narrative structure and plot. Participants will create new works and can share their work to receive feedback from participants and the workshop leader. <br /><br />The Veterans Writing Workshop is led by Iraq War Marine veteran Dario DiBattista from the Veterans Writing Project, a non-proﬁt founded by veterans and family members. A commentator on National Public Radio, SiriusXM, and for the British Broadcasting Corporation, DiBattista’s work has appeared in Washingtonian Magazine, The New York Times and The Washington Post.<br /><br />The free six-sessions program will take place on Saturdays, September 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28 and November 4, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Avenue. Registration is limited and required – via <a href="http://host.evanced.info/montgomerycountymd/evanced/eventsignup.asp?ID=125846&amp;rts=&amp;disptype=&amp;ret=eventcalendar.asp&amp;pointer=&amp;returnToSearch=&amp;num=0&amp;ad=&amp;dt=sd&amp;sd=9/30/2017&amp;df=list&amp;EventType=ALL&amp;Lib=ALL&amp;AgeGroup=ALL&amp;LangType=0&amp;WindowMode=&amp;noheader=&amp;lad=&amp;pub=1&amp;nopub=&amp;page=1&amp;pgdisp=25">MCPL website Calendar of Events</a> or by calling 240-777-0140.Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-8004739021308701762017-09-08T11:21:00.005-04:002017-09-08T14:24:28.667-04:00 Sixth Annual Montgomery County Business Hall of Fame Scheduled for October 24<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O97wnn2qC9k/WbK1c-YRRMI/AAAAAAAADOw/ZBObl1z_yA8jNpvuGZVvXmh1OmS_UfCqgCLcBGAs/s1600/logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="147" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O97wnn2qC9k/WbK1c-YRRMI/AAAAAAAADOw/ZBObl1z_yA8jNpvuGZVvXmh1OmS_UfCqgCLcBGAs/s1600/logo.jpg" /></a></div>The sixth annual Montgomery County Business Hall of Fame (MCBHOF) will be held on Tuesday, October 24 at The Universities at Shady Grove. This event, co-founded by Grossberg Company LLP, CPAs and Revere Bank, successor to Monument Bank. It celebrates people who have made a positive impact on the Montgomery County business community. The celebration begins at 11:30 a.m. and will be followed by a luncheon and induction of nominees. <br /><br />The five inductees for the 2017 MCBHOF are: Kevin Beverly, President &amp; CEO, Social &amp; Scientific Systems; Norman Dreyfuss, Executive Vice President, IDI Group; Terry Forde, President &amp; CEO, Adventist HealthCare, Cidalia Luis-Akbar, CEO &amp; Owner, M. Luis Construction Co., Inc.; Natalia Luis, COO &amp; Owner, M. Luis Construction Co., Inc.<br /><br />Since its inception, MCBHOF has raised over $685,000 for the USG scholarship fund through donations and through the induction event. All net proceeds from the MCBHOF benefit the scholarship programs at The Universities at Shady Grove, the University System of Maryland’s regional educational center which brings nine Maryland public universities and more than 80 academic degree programs directly to Montgomery County. The same type of vision that led to the creation of USG – to do something truly unique and extraordinary – is the type of vision our honorees all share.<br /><br />For more information go to <a href="http://www.mcbushalloffame.com/the-event/">www.mcbushalloffame.com/the-event/</a>.Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-37697187845327252672017-09-08T11:20:00.003-04:002017-09-08T14:25:43.005-04:00M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks Seeks Public Comments on North Branch Hiker-Biker Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGeCYCmAtmA/WbK1G7QoNyI/AAAAAAAADOo/jY5eWMz3VBEmbulyj0A_9yQTkNEYtADHQCLcBGAs/s1600/North-Branch-Trail-Overall-Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="817" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGeCYCmAtmA/WbK1G7QoNyI/AAAAAAAADOo/jY5eWMz3VBEmbulyj0A_9yQTkNEYtADHQCLcBGAs/s320/North-Branch-Trail-Overall-Map.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>M-NCPPC Montgomery Parks seeks public comment on possible locations for a proposed 15 car parking lot and trail head as part of the Planning Board-approved North Branch Hiker-Biker Trail project. The meeting will be held <a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcg/calendar.html?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D125096628" target="_blank">Wednesday, September 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center located at 5110 Meadowside Lane in Rockville</a>. <br /><br />Parks staff will present the project history, overall trail alignment, connectivity to adjacent trails, and overall project schedule and phasing, in addition to the two parking lot alternatives. <br /><br />For additional information on accessibility to the parks and access programs, <a href="http://www.montgomeryparks.org/projects/listing/north-branch-hiker-biker-trail/">visit park projects webpage</a>.Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-25196838634286386522017-09-08T11:18:00.004-04:002017-09-08T14:27:57.011-04:00 Author Kenneth Serfass Portrays General Ulysses S. GrantRetired Marine Sergeant Kenneth Serfass portrays General Ulysses S. Grant at the September meeting of the Montgomery County Civil War Roundtable on Thursday September 14 at 8 p.m.<br /><br />The presentation will be held at the Gaithersburg Hilton, 620 Perry Parkway. A $5 donation is requested. Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-54887532563065758442017-08-21T15:55:00.003-04:002017-08-21T15:55:23.098-04:00Free Vaccinations Offered at Health Clinics for Students Entering Seventh Grade <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Resident/vaccination.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="650" height="215" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-faJV2tgByAE/WZs6YFE4uPI/AAAAAAAADNU/L-NnW_ML14QyuVlNUmC59TWmvyX2ERQ1QCLcBGAs/s400/7th-grade-immunization.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Montgomery County health officials urge parents or guardians of students entering seventh grade to show proof their student is vaccinated against Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) and Meningococcal meningitis (MCV4) prior to the start of the 2017-2018 school year. Students not in compliance with Maryland vaccination requirements are excluded from attending school until they provide documentation of the required Tdap and MCV immunizations. The requirements are in place throughout the State of Maryland.</div><br /><a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Resident/vaccination.html" target="_blank"><b>Free Tdap and MCV4 immunizations</b></a> will be offered to incoming students at the following locations:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/Maps/4910MaconRd-M17.html">School Health Services Center</a><br /> 4910 Macon Road, Rockville<br />Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays<br />8:30 – 11:30 a.m.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/Maps/2000DennisAve-M2.html">Dennis Avenue Health Center</a><br />2000 Dennis Avenue, Silver Spring<br />Tuesdays<br />8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/Maps/12900MiddlebRd-M19.html">Germantown Health Center</a><br />12900 Middlebrook Road, 2nd floor, Germantown<br /> Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon<br />Thursdays 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/Maps/8630FentonSt-M6.html">Silver Spring Health Center</a><br />8630 Fenton Street, 10th floor, Silver Spring<br />Wednesdays 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.<br /><br />A copy of the child’s immunization record must be presented to staff to receive vaccinations. For more information on immunizations, call the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ Immunization Program at 240-777-1050 or School Health Services at 240-777-1550. Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-25785823490234123642017-08-21T15:52:00.002-04:002017-08-22T17:22:06.184-04:00Downtown Wheaton Businesses Helped by Innovative County Program During Construction of New County Office Building and Town Plaza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKCbjN4IdpE/WZs55iK2chI/AAAAAAAADNQ/BUB4OekFK0MPJTvG5hOuS8OgiJtucG-FgCLcBGAs/s1600/Slide2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKCbjN4IdpE/WZs55iK2chI/AAAAAAAADNQ/BUB4OekFK0MPJTvG5hOuS8OgiJtucG-FgCLcBGAs/s400/Slide2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />More than 90 businesses in Wheaton that may be impacted by the construction of a new, 14-story Montgomery County office building and an adjacent town plaza will have an opportunity to receive an innovative form of help from the County to stabilize their businesses during the three-year construction period.<br /><br />Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and the Montgomery County Council created a Small Business Assistance Program to provide technical and financial assistance to qualified Downtown Wheaton businesses who can demonstrate an adverse financial impact since construction began in June on the “Wheaton Town Plaza” project. The unique aspect of the County program will be that businesses owners will be eligible for financial assistance—up to a maximum of $75,000 over the construction period—for documented declines attributable to the project.<br /><br />Businesses can apply for assistance to the County’s Department of Finance, which will oversee the program, starting Sept. 5. Applications will soon be available through the department’s website at <a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/finance">www.montgomerycountymd.gov/finance</a>.<br /><br />More information is available in the press release at <a href="http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=21288">More than 90 businesses in area continue to operate during three-year construction project</a>. More information on the plan to revitalize Downtown Wheaton can be found at <a href="http://www.wheatonproject.com/">wheatonproject.com</a>.Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-58580038167411400512017-08-21T15:50:00.004-04:002017-08-22T17:17:28.068-04:00Small Antennas and Shorter Telecommunications TowersThe County has released a draft&nbsp;zoning text&nbsp;amendment (ZTA) to revise the County’s zoning code to address deployment of smaller antennas on streetlights and lower height buildings. The ZTA and summary can be found at <a href="http://montgomerycountymd.gov/towers">montgomerycountymd.gov/towers</a>. Public comment is being accepted and a September public meetings are scheduled as following;<br /><div><ul><li><a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcg/calendar.html?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D124865651" target="_blank">September 18, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m, Silver Spring Civic Building</a></li><li><a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcg/calendar.html?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D124865654" target="_blank">September 19, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Montgomery College Germantown Campus</a></li></ul></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-75813216207579314482017-08-21T15:50:00.003-04:002017-08-22T17:20:25.219-04:00You Can Help Reduce the Risk for Trash Fires <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eOk1M30aesw/WZyHqeFNbLI/AAAAAAAADOM/MkvwqTGsUaI7bZIkm8G3TUARRtR6UCSagCLcBGAs/s1600/fire-risk.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="650" height="172" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eOk1M30aesw/WZyHqeFNbLI/AAAAAAAADOM/MkvwqTGsUaI7bZIkm8G3TUARRtR6UCSagCLcBGAs/s320/fire-risk.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and Department of Environmental Protection Director Lisa Feldt held an event&nbsp; to increase awareness of the importance of the safe disposal of household waste materials that could become a fire hazard when discarded in the trash.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table>The Department of Environmental Protection is raising awareness about ways to safely dispose of hazardous household materials. It is important that residents know what materials should not go into the trash, and as equally important for residents to <a href="https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/sws/reducetheriskfortrashfires/" target="_blank">know how to safely dispose of those materials</a>.&nbsp;</div><br />The Household Hazardous Waste program, located at the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station is open to all County residents. The provides opportunities for residents to discard many materials as safely and environmentally responsible as possible.<br /><br />Careful attention should be given to ensure that items are safe to be placed in the trash. The following items SHOULD NOT go in the trash:<br /><ul><li>flammable or combustible liquids (such as gasoline, oil-based paints, or kerosene);</li><li>hazardous materials (including items such as ammonia, bleach, pool chemicals, pesticides, etc.);</li><li>canisters containing propellants (like butane or propane);</li><li>rechargeable batteries (which contain heavy metals, including lithium, nickel cadmium, or lead-acid)</li><li>cylinders containing compressed gas (such as propane, helium, oxygen, acetylene, or fire extinguishers);&nbsp;</li><li>ash (from fireplaces, fire pits, or barbeque grills); or</li><li>any unknown substances</li></ul>When certain liquids or gases mix, there is a risk they could become a fire or explosion hazard. The Department of Environmental Protection’s Household Hazardous Waste collection program provides an appropriate way for residents to discard many volatile items. The Household Hazardous Waste program is open to all County residents.<br /><br />For more information, read the <a href="http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=21275">Press release</a>.Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-24255809146874913402017-08-21T15:48:00.001-04:002017-08-22T17:18:46.088-04:00 Free Fares on New MD 355 Ride On extRa Service during October 2017<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gIjzARSv-oY/WZs4zwfBXOI/AAAAAAAADNE/u4ErzWEZhWoUHwxDTllDaSmY_nQvvPyGgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2794%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1600" height="153" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gIjzARSv-oY/WZs4zwfBXOI/AAAAAAAADNE/u4ErzWEZhWoUHwxDTllDaSmY_nQvvPyGgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_2794%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ride On extRa</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett announced at the Montgomery County Fair that the new, faster <a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-transit/RideOnExtra.html">Ride On extRa</a> rush hour service beginning October 2 on Route 355 will be free, on an introductory basis, during the month of October.<br /><br />Ride On extRa will run only during peak periods, Monday through Friday, 5:30 – 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. It will provide service from Lakeforest Transit Center in Gaithersburg to Medical Center Metro in Bethesda – running every&nbsp;10 minutes and making just&nbsp;12 stops. The service will connect to half of the bus routes in the County, as well as Metrorail and MARC rail.<br /><br />Ride on extRa vehicles will have many amenities that promote comfort and faster service. For example, the vehicles will have traffic signal priority and passengers will have low-floor boarding, free WiFi, USB charging ports and padding on seats. <br /><br />Starting in November, this service will be available for a regular Ride On fare, via <a href="https://www.smartrip.com/rcsc.html">SmartTrip</a> card, pass or cash. Fare cards may not be reloaded on these buses.<br /><br />Ride On extRa stops will include Lakeforest Transit Center, Summit Ave., Westland Dr., Shady Grove Metro, Montgomery College, Rockville Metro, Edmonston Dr., Halpine Rd., Marinelli Rd., Security Ln., Tuckerman Ln., and Medical Center. There will be new bus shelters and bus stop flag signs to identify Ride On extRa bus stops. Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-7096176930256201572017-08-21T15:45:00.002-04:002017-08-21T15:45:27.988-04:00Montgomery County Friendship Picnic to Bring Together Communities with Diverse Cultures and Faiths on September 17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1042" height="153" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcZG7ZU_v0s/WZs4R3iLQrI/AAAAAAAADM8/25xmjaQIiWUB8iNAZJ05Bipb81TV9eJ-gCLcBGAs/s320/FP%2BWeb%2BBanner%252C%2B2017.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />The Friendship Picnic will bring people of diverse cultures and faiths together to make new friends and discuss ways to build a better community. The event is scheduled for Sunday, September 17 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Wheaton Regional Park, located at 2000 Shorefield Rd. in Wheaton. <br /><br />The free picnic will include traditional, Kosher, Halal or vegetarian lunch options. A wide-range of activities for children and adults including music, dancing, moon bounce, face painting, train rides and much more. <br /><br />Registration is strongly encouraged for this free event. <a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/humanrights">More information and registration is available here.</a>Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-5081681577599694942017-08-21T15:44:00.003-04:002017-08-22T15:33:22.219-04:00 Biotechnology Company Expands Headquarters in Gaithersburg Brings New Jobs to Montgomery County <a href="http://altimmune.com/">Altimmune, Inc</a>., a clinical-stage immunotherapeutics biotechnology company, announced it will relocate new employees acquired because of its merger with Pharmathene, as well as its existing Gaithersburg employees, to a new 14,000 square-foot location in Gaithersburg. The new, larger location at 910 Clopper Road will include the company’s research and development facility, and the move is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2018. Altimmune currently has 14 full-time employees in Gaithersburg. The expansion will add 45 new jobs over the next four years. <br /><br />Altimmune designs and develops immunotherapeutic products tailored to address a wide range of diseases, including acute respiratory infections, chronic viral infections, and cancer. The company’s lead product, NasoVAX, an intranasally administered recombinant flu vaccine, is expected to begin Phase 2 development in the coming weeks. HepTcell, the company’s second clinical program, is an immunotherapy for treating patients chronically infected with the Hepatitis B virus. The company’s two complementary fully government-sponsored anthrax vaccine programs, SparVax-L and NasoShield, are ongoing with continued updates and data announcements expected in 2018.<br /><br />To assist with project costs, the Maryland Department of Commerce has approved a $150,000 conditional loan through the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF). In addition, Montgomery County is providing a $100,000 conditional grant through its Economic Development Fund. The company is also eligible for a grant up to $50,000 from the City of Gaithersburg’s Economic Development Toolbox Program, as well as various state and local tax credits, including Maryland’s Job Creation Tax Credit.<br /><br />To learn more about career opportunities with the company, visit <a href="http://www.altimmune.com/">www.altimmune.com</a>. <br /><br />Read the <a href="http://commerce.maryland.gov/media/biotechnology-company-expands-headquarters-in-gaithersburg-plans-45-new-jobs" target="_blank">full press release from MD Department of Commerce</a>.Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-16211770506331596262017-08-21T15:44:00.002-04:002017-08-21T15:44:15.491-04:00The American Film Institute of Silver Spring to Host Free Silver Screens Outdoor Film Festival <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jd1EzDj3D2k/WZs3-ZPfR-I/AAAAAAAADM4/AA7jewTTrPAdhTWKkni-wBvmSJVG541HgCLcBGAs/s1600/PurpleRain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jd1EzDj3D2k/WZs3-ZPfR-I/AAAAAAAADM4/AA7jewTTrPAdhTWKkni-wBvmSJVG541HgCLcBGAs/s200/PurpleRain.jpg" width="126" /></a></div>The American Film Institute of Silver Spring is hosting the second <a href="http://afi.com/silver/films/2017/p82/headnotes.aspx#veteransplaza" target="_blank">annual Silver Screens outdoor film festival on Friday evenings</a>. The free movies will be held in Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring.<br /><br />The free weekly screenings begin at 8 p.m., rain or shine. The festival ends September 1. Moviegoers are invited to bring their own seats.<br /><br />Upcoming moves will include: <br /><ul><li>Aug. 25: “Purple Rain”&nbsp;</li><li>Sept. 1: “School of Rock”</li></ul>Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-17038356586166204582017-08-21T15:42:00.002-04:002017-08-21T15:42:10.668-04:00Become a Volunteer Tutor or Mentor!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior/Resources/Files/beacon-ad/2017/7-2017_beacon_age_friendly.pdf" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="976" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QAOS_cAVdGw/WZs3NqzSCfI/AAAAAAAADMw/z8W_AFzrb58iAMrPbLDzxb1RcBgfr2JUwCLcBGAs/s200/7-2017_beacon_age_friendly.png" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior/Resources/Files/beacon-ad/2017/7-2017_beacon_age_friendly.pdf" target="_blank">Download Flyer</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />As the kids start to think about going back to school, the timing is perfect to consider <a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior/employment.html" target="_blank">volunteering</a> as a tutor or mentor. Montgomery County has many appealing opportunities for adults to become volunteer tutors and mentors to area youth. Inter generational volunteering can prove very rewarding for students and volunteers alike.<br /><br />Volunteer tutors help students learn to read and build study skills. Volunteer mentors provide guidance and support with day-to-day challenges. Some volunteer roles include both tutoring and mentoring.<br /><br /> For more information on volunteer tutoring or mentoring opportunities go to <a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior/Resources/Files/beacon-ad/2017/7-2017_beacon_age_friendly.pdf">Become a Volunteer Tutor or Mentor</a>Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-81522229053470307742017-08-21T15:37:00.004-04:002017-08-21T15:37:55.511-04:00Department of Permitting Services to Host eServices Open House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hLIMROYradE/WZs2hawcZLI/AAAAAAAADMo/EXZkSieVeJAjlLYSV_qjvjh1DUZEzfWNwCLcBGAs/s1600/dpseservicesbackbusiness_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="205" data-original-width="530" height="123" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hLIMROYradE/WZs2hawcZLI/AAAAAAAADMo/EXZkSieVeJAjlLYSV_qjvjh1DUZEzfWNwCLcBGAs/s320/dpseservicesbackbusiness_crop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Department of Permitting Services (DPS) will host an eServices Open House on Monday, August 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held at the DPS office located at 255 Rockville Pike on the second floor. <br /><br />The event will provide the opportunity to set up accounts and receive training to learn to apply online and submit plans electronically. Beginning September 11, Commercial Solar, Residential New Construction, and Sign permits will only be accepted electronically. Currently, Electrical, Fire Alarm, Fire Protection, Fence, Residential Solar, New Commercial Building Construction, and Utility permits require electronic submission. The open house will prepare you for the upcoming transition to paperless permitting! <br /><div><br /></div><div>Visit <a href="https://permittingservices.montgomerycountymd.gov/DPS/ePlans/ApplicantTrainingRegistration.aspx" target="_blank">Permitting Services website</a> for more information.</div>Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-40912450138366764242017-08-21T15:35:00.000-04:002017-08-22T15:38:08.509-04:00Community Use of Public Facilities Accepting Requests for Use of Public School Facilities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l2UzIIC1xr4/WZyIDjblQGI/AAAAAAAADOQ/Txwp9Pl1-6sD3Q_6N2Kj6d3W0CtytApYACLcBGAs/s1600/cupf-logo-800px.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="800" height="61" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l2UzIIC1xr4/WZyIDjblQGI/AAAAAAAADOQ/Txwp9Pl1-6sD3Q_6N2Kj6d3W0CtytApYACLcBGAs/s200/cupf-logo-800px.png" width="200" /></a></div>The Community Use of Public Facilities began accepting general reservation requests for use of indoor public school facilities for the 2017-2018 school year on August 15. This includes before and after-school enrichment programs, evening use, weekend use, etc., regardless of room type. For more information, visit: <a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/CUPF">montgomerycountymd.gov/CUPF</a>.Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305359375547905665.post-49747051419929542072017-08-21T15:33:00.003-04:002017-08-21T15:33:25.680-04:00Resources for an Age-Friendly Montgomery County <a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/senior/age-friendly.html" target="_blank">Age-Friendly Montgomery County</a> is an initiative to enhance the County as a wonderfully diverse Community for a Lifetime--a place where all residents can age, thrive to their full potential, and contribute as a powerful resource in making our County a better, stronger, more inclusive community for everyone.Patrick Lacefieldnoreply@blogger.com0